Trying to set up apple tv without remote but iPhone will not connect

[sharp snow]

Hello, I was given an apple tv to me for freeby a friend but the apple tv did not come with a remote.
I have been trying to find a way to set it up without having a remote and trying to connect my iphone but the apple tv remote control center app isnt seeing my phone is there anyway I can set it up without a remote.

[worthy flicker]

have you tried this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201664